EXPANSION PIPE TECHNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATION

This technology involves running the special expansion pipe string into the hole, and a kind of drive head is used to produce permanent deformation and expansion by either hydraulic or mechanic method, thus effectively enlarge the internal diameter size of tubing or casing. This technology can be used in drilling, completion, production and workover operations. Taken as one of the core technologies in petroleum industry in 21st century, its commercial applications in some conditions have begun abroad. There are two types of expansion pipes, slotted pipe and entity pipe. This paper describes the structure, mechanism, advantages and field applications of this technology.